WASHINGTON (CNN) -- CNN and the Los Angeles Times announced Friday they will host back-to-back presidential debates in January 2008, just days before delegate-rich California and as many as 23 other states could hold nominating contests.

"Now that Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has moved the California primaries to Feb. 5, Californians, along with other Super Tuesday voters, will influence the presidential nomination process earlier than ever before," said Jon Klein, president of CNN/U.S. "We're delighted to continue our traditional debates with the Los Angeles Times in the days before those critical primaries to help millions of Americans cast the most informed votes possible."

On Thursday, California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed legislation into law that moves his state's primary to Feb. 5, 2008. Schwarzenegger discussed his decision to move the California primary from June 2008 to Feb. 2008 in an interview on "The Situation Room."

"California's voters will play an enormously important role in the outcome of the 2008 election, and the Los Angeles Times is honored to co-host these historic debates," said Los Angeles Times Publisher David D. Hiller. "As the essential source for news and information in Southern California, The Times looks forward to working with CNN again to bring the presidential contenders together in a public forum."

Republicans presidential candidates will take the stage on Jan. 30, while Democrats will meet on Jan. 31. Other details will be forthcoming, the two media companies said in the news release announcing the debates.

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